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Meters Ov 1 Wired Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£310
Avg. price in US: ~$300
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Meters Ov 1 Wired review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.6

Good

6.7

Good

6.2

Good

6.6
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
9.0
Audio latency
25.0%
1.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
3.3
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
10
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
1.2
Weight
16.0%
1.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
1.0
Ambient sound mode
5.5
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
1.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
1.0
Companion app
2.6
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
1.2
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#312 in Best Wireless Headphones for TV for Seniors
#312 in Best Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
#321 in Best Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones
#328 in Best Over Ear Headphones
#364 in Best Wireless Headphones
#397 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
#401 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Meters OV-1 Wired is a premium over-ear headphone featuring 40mm dynamic dome drivers with neodymium magnets, offering a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, 32-ohm impedance, and 94dB sensitivity. Its most distinctive characteristic is the integrated, functional VU meters on each ear cup that react to audio signal levels, complemented by active noise cancellation (ANC) and a durable metal-alloy frame with protein leather memory foam pads. Main pros include a rich, bass-heavy sound profile tailored for enthusiasts, a comfortable high-quality build, and a unique retro aesthetic that stands out. However, some cons include its relatively heavy 380g weight, a perceived 'gimmicky' nature of the VU meters, and sound leakage or audible hiss when the ANC is engaged in quiet environments.

Technical Specifications of Meters Ov 1 Wired

Overall score

6.6

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

8.6

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

7.2

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

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Connectivity

4.4

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

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Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Features

3.2

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

6.4

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

5.5

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Meters

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Meters Ov 1 Wired vs the average headphone

Why is Meters Ov 1 Wired better than the average headphone?

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Active noise cancellation
Meters Ov 1 Wired supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.
Importance: HIGH
Meters Ov 1 Wired supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Meters Ov 1 Wired has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Meters Ov 1 Wired has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
EQ customization
Meters Ov 1 Wired supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.
Importance: MEDIUM
Meters Ov 1 Wired supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
More flexible connectivity
Meters Ov 1 Wired offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.
Importance: HIGH
Meters Ov 1 Wired offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
Clear call microphone
Meters Ov 1 Wired offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.
Importance: MEDIUM
Meters Ov 1 Wired offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Meters Ov 1 Wired includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Meters Ov 1 Wired includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Meters Ov 1 Wired includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Meters Ov 1 Wired includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
0.8 hours shorter charging time
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a lower charging time than the average headphone (1.2 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=2 hours
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a lower charging time than the average headphone (1.2 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.1.2 hours vs 2 hours
Foldable design
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Active noise cancellation
Meters Ov 1 Wired supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Meters Ov 1 Wired has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
10x higher input power handling
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
0.8 hours shorter charging time
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a lower charging time than the average headphone (1.2 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
Rechargeable battery
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
More flexible connectivity
Meters Ov 1 Wired offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Meters Ov 1 Wired includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Clear call microphone
Meters Ov 1 Wired offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
In-line controls
Meters Ov 1 Wired includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Meters Ov 1 Wired reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
EQ customization
Meters Ov 1 Wired supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is Meters Ov 1 Wired worse than the average headphone?

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74.3% higher weight
Meters Ov 1 Wired is heavier than the average headphone (380 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Meters Ov 1 Wired uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
No voice assistant support
Meters Ov 1 Wired does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
74.3% higher weight
Meters Ov 1 Wired is heavier than the average headphone (380 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Meters Ov 1 Wired is heavier than the average headphone (380 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.380 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Meters Ov 1 Wired does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Meters Ov 1 Wired does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
3.44x more expensive
Meters Ov 1 Wired is more expensive than the average headphone (£310 vs £90).
Meters Ov 1 Wired is more expensive than the average headphone (£310 vs £90).£310 vs £90
28.1% lower user score
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.24 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.24 vs 8.000).6.24 vs 8
Tangle-prone cable
Meters Ov 1 Wired uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Meters Ov 1 Wired uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=108 dB SPL
Meters Ov 1 Wired has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL

Graphic comparison of Meters Ov 1 Wired and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Meters Ov 1 Wired?

Unique and iconic design featuring real, working, and backlit VU meters on the earcups.
Powerful, deep, and well-controlled bass performance suitable for rock and electronic music.
High-quality construction using durable metal alloy and premium protein leather.
Comfortable fit for many users due to thick memory foam padding on the earcups and headband.
Effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that excels at smoothing out low-frequency hums.
Includes a high-quality hard-sided carrying case and detachable cables with inline controls.

What customers dislike about Meters Ov 1 Wired?

Inconsistent sound signature; the treble and upper-mids can sound soft or subdued in certain modes.
The custom EQ mode is frequently cited by reviewers as poorly implemented and prone to distortion.
Internal light from the VU meters can bleed through the plastic housing in dark environments.
Operational quirk: the VU meters cannot be turned on without also engaging the ANC or EQ circuits.
High clamping force may lead to ear fatigue or discomfort during very long listening sessions.

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

26/09/2017

Meters by Ashdown Engineering – OV-1 Headphones - Reviews

The Head-Fi reviews of the Meters by Ashdown Engineering OV-1 headphonesGo highlight a unique design featuring functioning VU meters and a warm, bass-heavy sound signature. Key pros include high-quality, comfortable memory foam padding and a striking, retro aesthetic, making them ideal for listeners who prioritize both style and energetic, low-end performance. Conversely, the...Read more

apesandmen.com

22/08/2017

Review: Meters OV-1 by Ashdown - Apes and Men

Meters OV-1 Headphones The Meters OV-1 over-ear headphones, engineered by the renowned bass amplifier company Ashdown, stand out for their striking aesthetic and unique build quality. A major highlight is their distinctive design, featuring physical, illuminating analogue VU meters on each ear cup, alongside a lightweight alloy frame and comfortable protein leather padding. On the...Read more

mixdownmag.com.au

22/11/2017

Review: Meters OV-1 Headphones - Mixdown Magazine

The Meters OV-1 over-ear headphones by Ashdown Engineering are a visually distinct and comfortable personal listening package. Priced at $588 AUD through distributor Link Audio, they boast premium build aesthetics featuring a brushed chrome and tan leatherette finish that seamlessly pairs with working, backlit VU meters on both ear cups. Key pros highlighted in this review include...Read more

samma3a.com

15/10/2017

Meters OV-1 Headphones Review - Samma3a Tech

The Meters OV-1 headphones are a bold, statement-making set of over-ear headphones defined by functional, illuminated VU meters built into each earcup to monitor sound levels. They offer robust packaging, an included hard carrying case, and thick, comfortable padding that easily offsets a higher-than-average headband clamping force. A three-way switch on the left earcup toggles...Read more

trustedreviews.com

19/05/2017

Meters Music OV-1 Review

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Meters Music OV-1 highlights these ANC headphones as a style-focused,, and eye-catching product featuring fully functional, illuminated VU meters, with a primary pro of exceptional, tight, and deep bass performance. While the active noise-cancelling is reasonably effective and comfortable, the review identifies significant cons, including a...Read more

stereo.de

01/01/1970

Meters OV-1 - Review Results

The STEREO review highlights the Meters OV-1 headphonesGo as a lifestyle-focused product from Ashdown Engineering, characterized by unique, functional VU meters on the ear cups and a robust, well-constructed design. Sonically, they offer a warm, lively sound with tight low-end performance and effective passive noise isolation. YouTube· Conversely, the review notes that the active...Read more

faz.net

03/11/2017

Beats Studio 3 Wireless and Meters Music OV-1

The FAZ review compares the Beats Studio 3 WirelessGo and Meters Music OV-1Go, highlighting the Beats for superior technology and the Meters for unique design. The Beats Studio 3 Wireless offers exceptional pairing, 40-hour battery life via the Apple W1 chip, and effective Pure ANC, though with a tight fit and bass-heavy sound. Conversely, the Meters Music OV-1 features distinctive,...Read more

avguide.ch

01/10/2017

Eight Noise-Canceling Headphones Reviewed - Quiet, Please!

Meters Music OV-1 The Meters Music OV-1 is a vintage-styled, wired-only headphone developed by Ashdown Engineering that retails for 349 CHF. Its standout design feature is a pair of illuminated, analog VU meters on the earcups, though these functions only operate when the equalizer or active noise cancelling (ANC) modes are switched on. On the positive side, the headphones deliver a...Read more

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